Strand insertion



D. D. HUYETT STRAND INSERTION Nov. 3, 1953 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Dec. 24, 1947 Daniel D. Huyerr INVENTOR.

D. D. HUYETT STRAND INSERTION Nov. 3, 1953 FiledDec.

4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Fig.7

Daniel D. Huyerr,

D. D. HUYETT STRAND INSERTION Nov. 3, 1953 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Dec. 24, 1947 Daniel D. Huyen,

- INVENTOR. BY%%Z% D. D. HUYETT STRAND INSERTION Nov. 3, 1953 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed D90. 24, 1947 Daniel D. Huyerr,

Fig. I2

Patented Nov. 3, 1953 UNITED EJS OF F'I CE;

ST AND INSERI ON" Application December 24, 1947. Serial No. 793,747

(Cl. 29-9148)v 10: G aim 1? This. application relates. to the working of resilient substances.

An object of the invention is theprovision of methods and apparatus for insertinga strand material into a resilient substance.

Another object of the: inventionv is the pro! vision of'method's and apparatus for the insertion otwfire into: a resilient substance.

A further object of the invention is the provision. of methods and apparatus for the insertion of a leg wire into a resilient plug for an electric detonator.

Otherobjects of the invention will be apparent from the following description Units made up of strand material fixed in resilient substance find application in many in dustrial devices. Oftenit is desirable that the strand material and resilient substance be in water proof relation. An example is an electric blasting cap sealed with a rubber plug through which legwires are led.

By the present invention, methods and apparatus are provided whereby strand material may be inserted through a resilient substance in a manner such that the strand material is gripped tightly by the resilient substance.

According to the method of the present invention, a needle and a sleeve fitting around the needle are inserted through a resilient substance, the needle is removed from space encompassed by the resilient substance, strand material is in.- serted into the sleeve, and the sleeve is withdrawn from the resilient substance permitting it to shrink about and grip the stand material.

The invention also comprises an apparatus for performing this method in which a holding means is provided for the resilient substance, and a needle and a sleeve fitting therearound are coaxially provided in position to enter the resilient substance.

In one specific embodiment of the method of the invention, the needle and sleeve are respectively supported on opposite sides of the substance through which strand material is to be inserted. The resilient substance is first pierced through by the needle, and then the sleeve is slipped through the resilient substance over and around the needle. These operations produce an expanded hole in the resilient substance. The needle is then withdrawn from the sleeve; the strand material is inserted in the sleeve in place of the needle; and finally the sleeve is withdrawn from the resilient substance permitting the resilient substance to shrink about and grip the strand material.

In another sp c fic emb d m nt of the invention, the sleeveand needle are supported aggial alignment on the same side of the resilient sub; stance. With, the sleeve surrounding thenecdle, the resilient material is pierced bit-i116. needle following which it is further expandedv the sleeve. The needle is then retracted from the position ofthe sleeve encompassed by theresilient substance; the strand material is inserted intethe sleeve;- and finally the sleeve is withdrawn irorn the resilient substance.

In a further specific embodiment of; the invention, the needle and sleeve are respeutively supported in axial alignment on opposite S des-0i the resilient substance. The resilient substance is first pierced through by the needle. The sleeve is; then passed over the point of the needle. heat the sleeve is passed through the resilient sub.- stance while the needle is simultaneously; with,- drawn therefrom. The needle is then withdrawn from the sleeve; a leg wire is inserted; in the sleeve; and finally the sleeve is withdrawn from the resilient substance.

The invention will be further described by means of the drawings which illustrate the three specific embodiments mentioned above as resilient rubber-like plug, and in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of one apparatus suitable for carrying out the invent on;

Figure 2 is. an end sectional view o portion is of the apparatus, shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an enlarged sectional View of pertions [9 and 43 of the apparatus shown in Figure 1';

Figure 4 is a further enlarged sectional view of parts of the apparatus shown in Figure 3 in a different position of operation;

Figure 5. is a View similar to Figure 4:; but show ing the parts in a further position of operation;

Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 4 showme another point in the operation of th an-- paratuS;

Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 4 showing a still further point in the operation of the apparatus;

Figure 8 is a side elevation partly in section of an electric blasting cap;

Figure 9 is a top view of an apparatus suitable for carrying out the invention in a modified manner;

Figure 10. is a side elevation, partly in section, of the apparatus shown in Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a sectional view of a portion of the apparatus shown in Figure 10 taken throu h line Hes-ll on Figure 10;

Figure 12 is a side elevation partly in section member 59.

of an apparatus for carrying out the invention in another modified manner; and

Figure 13 is an enlarged view of a portion of the apparatus shown in Figure 12 in another position of operation.

The embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 1 through 8 will be described first. As shown in Figure 1, M is a standard secured to a support it by means of bolts l6 and H. A lower portion of standard Hi, designated at l9, contains a recess of a size to receive a resilient rubber-like plug 26 (see also Figures 2 and 3 where plug 2| is shown partly in section). Through the bottom of portion i9 is slidably mounted clevis 23, which is operated by handle 25 (Figure 1). Handle 25 is pivoted in bracket 2? on standard M by pin 29 and is pivoted in clevis 23 by pin 31. Clevis 23 is limited in its downward motion by pin 33.

At the top of standard l4 (Figure l) is rotatably mounted pinion 35 actuated by handle 31 so as to drive rack bar 39 vertically. At the base of rack bar 39 is afiixed a needle holder indicated generally at 43.

Referring now to Figure 3 wherein needle holder t3 and plug holding portion 19 are shown in more detail, clevis 23 fixedly supports two tubular sleeves 45 and M. As clevis 23 is moved by handle 25, sleeves (i and M slide respectively in tunnels ts and ii I.

Needle holder 43 is held in rack bar 39 by rod ii and screw i2 (Figure 1). Rod 4! is enlarged below rack bar 39. At the top of the enlarged portion of rod 4! is mounted collar 53 fixed thereon by screw 55. Bearing against collar 53 is spring 5?, which at its opposite end bears on guide Guide member 59 is held on rod 4! by pin (ii extending diametrically through rod 4 i and is permitted limited longitudinal movement thereon by diametrically opposed slots 63 (one of which appears in Figure 1, and the other of which appears in Figure 3). Embedded in the bottom of rod ii and extending through guide member 59 are two needles 55 and 61. It will be seen that the turning of handle 31 (Figure l) and the resultant movement of rack bar 39 in a vertical direction moves needle holder 43 in a vertical direction.

The operation of the device will be described, particularly in connection with Figures 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, which show successive points of operation. With the apparatus in position shown in Figures 1 and 3, parts [8 and 43 are separated. Handle 3'! is then turned so that needle holder 43 carrying needles (55 and 51 is brought down.

Needles 65 and ii! pierce plug 2| and continue therethrough until they enter sleeves 45 and 4?. (See Figure 4.) It is to be noted that guide member 59 is thereby pushed up (relative to the remaining parts of needle holder 43) against spring iii, but that guide member 59 protects needles 55 and iii against bending stress as they enter plug 2 I.

Then, after the parts are in the position shown in Figure l, lever (Figure 1) is raised pushing clevis 23 upward so that it in turn pushes sleeves and 4? around needles B5 and 6'! and through rubber plug 2 1. (See Figure 5.) Handle 31 (Figure 1) is then turned so that needle holder 43 is retracted withdrawing needles 65 and 61 from sleeves and ll, and needle holder 43 once again assumes the position shown in Figures 1 and 3. Then while sleeves 45 and 4'! still extend through plug 2| insulated wires 69 and H are respectively inserted down into sleeves 45 and 41 as shown in Figure 6.

Lever 25 (Figure 1) is then pushed down carrying clevis 23 which in turn pull sleeves 45 and 4'! out of plugs 2 I. As sleeves 45 and 47 leave plug 2 i it shrinks about and grips insulated wires 69 and H (see Figure 7). Plug 2|, containing wires 69 and H embedded in it, may then be removed and, after insertion of a new plug 2|, the apparatus is ready for another cycle of operation.

Plug 2i containing wires 69 and H may be advantageously used as a sealing plug for an electric blasting cap, as is shown in Figure 8. To make the blasting cap of Figure 8, shell 11 is charged with base charge explosive 19, primary detonating explosive 8|, and initiating explosive To wires 69 I and H is connected electric match 85, and plug 2| is inserted into shell H and crimped therein.

In Figures 9, 10, and 11 is shown an apparatus suitable for carrying out the method of the invention in a modified manner. Parts of the apparatus of Figures 9, 10, and 11 which are analogous to parts of the apparatus shown in the previous figures are given corresponding primed numbers. The apparatus includes a standard I i somewhat similar to standard id but in inverted position. Standard i4 is secured to support I5 by means of bolts [6 and I'd, In the upper portion IQ of standard I4 is a recess of a size to receive resilient rubber-like plug 2 I Through the bottom of portion [9 is slidably mounted sleeve v holder 23 in which are fastened'sleeves 45 and 41. Sleever'holder 23 is held in portion [9 by side plates 86 and 37 (Figure 11) Handle member 25' together with member 28, to which it is bolted by means of bolts 89 and 9|, form a fork which is pivoted in standard I l by pin 93 on which washers 95 and 9? are held by cotter pins 99 and NH. Sleeve holding element 23 contains stud portions Hi3 and W5 extending through slots I06 (one of which appears in Figure 10) in plates 86 and 87 respectively and through handle 25 and number 88 respectively. Hence sleeve holder 23' slides vertically in portion i9 upon operation of handle 25. The vertical motion of sleeve holder 23 is limited by slots I66 in plates 86 and 81.

Over plug 2|, at the top of the apparatus, are placed cover members Ill! and i8 including handle portions Hi9 and HE respectively. Cover members [El and IE8 are pivoted in standard Ill by means of two studs H I (one of which appears in Figure 10) and held in place by means of nuts H3 and H5 respectively. Cover members It! and H38 are also supported from upward movement by plate I ll bolted to standard M by bolts H9 and l2i. Stud l23 extending through stand ard i i and plate Hi centers the closed position of cover members is! and i623. Spring 1225 fastened to standard Hi by bolt 12? tends to hold cover members H3? and I98 in closed position so that plug 2i is covered in its recess in portion Hi. It may be seen, however, that if handle portions 39 and Ill] are pressed together, cover members Hi1 and H38 spread apart against the action of spring I25 so that plug 2| may be inserted or removed from the apparatus. Cover members Hi! and 588 are formed so that where they cover plug 2|, split holes i2!) and I 3! are provided directly opposite sleeves 45' and ii.

In the lower portion of the apparatus pinion 35 actuated by handle 3'! drives rack bar 39 vertically. At the top of rack bar 39' is located needle holder :13 in which are fastened two needles 35 and 67.

In the operation of the apparatus, after plug it has been inserted, and the device is in the position shown in Figure l0, handle 31' is turned so that needles G5 and 6'! move vertically upward through sleeves 45' and 41' and into plug 2|. As needles 65" and 61' enter plug 2|' needle holder 43' impinges upon sleeve holder 23' so that sleeves 45 and 41' are carried with needles 65' and 61'. The lengths of needles 65' and 61' and of sleeves 45 and 41 are of such relation that the tapered portions of the needles completely pass through the sleeves before noodle holder 43 contacts sleeve holder 23-; Thus it will be seen that as needles 65 and 6'! continue upward, their tapered portions first enter plug 2| and then after the needles have pierced the plug to their maximum diameter, the sleeves 45 and 41- enter and further expand holes in plug 2|. When needles 65 and 61' havereaohed their maximum upward movement, the sleeves will have completely passed through plug 2| and will have entered holes I29 and |3I-. It is to be noted that the lower portions of holes I29 and I 3| are shaped to receive sleeves 45' and 41. Needles 65" and 61 are then retracted from sleeves 45' and 41 leaving sleeves 45' and 41' extending through plug 2|; Leg wires are then inserted through holes I29 and |3| into sleeves 45' and 41' and through plug 2|. It is to be noted that holes I29 and I3| are funneled at their top portions to provide easy reception of leg wires.- Handle 25' is then depressed removing sleeves 45' and 41' from plug 2| so that plug 2| shrinks about and grips the inserted leg wires. Handle members I09 and H are then pressed together thereby opening cover members I01 and I08. Plug 2| containing leg wires may then be lifted from the apparatus, a new plug inserted, and

the operation repeated;

In Figures 12 and 13 is shown an apparatus for performing the invention in another modified manner. In these figures, parts which are analogous to portions of apparatus shown in previous figures are designated by corresponding double primed numbers.

The apparatus includes a. standard I4 generally similar to standard I4 of Figure 1. Standare I4" is secured to support I5" by bolts I6" and II". The lower portion of standard I4, designated at I9", contains a recess of a size to receive a resilient rubber like plug 2|".

. Through the bottom of portion I9" is slidably mounted clevis 23" which is operated by handle 25". Handle 25" is pivoted in bracket 2'!" on standard I4" by pin 29", and is pivoted in clevi's 23 by pin 3|". CleVis 23" is limited in its downward motion by pin 33' At the top of standard I4" is rotatahly mount-"- ed pinion 35 actuated by handle 3'!" so as to drive rack bar 39" vertically. At the base of rack 39" is afiixed needle holder 43" by means of screw 42". On needle holder 43" is afiixed collar :53" by means of screw 55". In needle holder 43" are aflixed needles 65" and 61". It is to be noted that the tapered point portions of needles I55" and E1" do not at any point become as large in diameter as their shank portions, but that a shoulder is provided in each case at the junction of the shank portions and the tapered portions of the needles.

' Clevis 23 fixedly supports two tubularsleeves 45" and 41". As clevis 23" is moved by handle 25", sleeves 45" and 4'!" slide respectively in tunnels 49" and 5|.

Over plug 2|", at the top of plug holding portion I9" of the apparatus, are placed cover mem *6 hers I01" and I00" (but one of which appears in Figure 12) similar to parts I01 and I08 in Figures 9 and 10. Cover members I01" and I08" include handle portions I09" and III!" respectively. Cover members I01" and I08" are pivoted in standard I4" by means of two studs I II" (but one of which appears in Figure 12), and held in place by means of nuts I I3" and I I5" (but one of which appears'in Figure 12). (Jover members I01" and I08" are also supported from upward movement by plate III" bolted to standard I4". Stud I23", extending through standard I4" and plate II'I"i centers the closed position of cover members I01" and I08". Spring I25" fastened to standard I4" by bolt I27" tends to hold cover members I01" and I08" in closed position so that plug 2|" is covered in its recess in portion I9; Cover members I01" and I00" are formed so that where they cover plug 2| split holes I29" and I3I" are provided di rectly opposite sleeves 45" and 47", and also directly opposite needles and 61".

In the operation of the apparatus, after plug 2|" has been inserted and the device is in the position shown in Figure 12, handle 31" is turned so that needles 65" and 01" move vertically downward through holes I29" and I3I", and on through plug 2|". It is to be noted that as needles 65" and 61" pass through holes I29 and I 3| their shanks force cover members I01" and I08" open slightly. After needles 65" and 61" have passed through plug 2|", their shoulder portions come to rest on the tops of sleeves 45 and 41". The point portions of needles 65 and 61" fit snugly inside sleeves 45" and 41", but their shank portions are of the same diameter as the outside diameter of sleeves 45" and 41".

Then handle 25 is raised pushing clevis 23" and its contained sleeves 45" and 41" upward through plug 2|" pushing needles 65" and 61" ahead of them and until the shank portions of needles 65" and 61" have passed out of plug kdles are pushed into the plug.

By turning handle 3'! needles B5" and 6'!" are then retracted completely from sleeves 45" and 4?", after which leg wires are inserted through tapered holes I29" and I3I" into sleeves '45" and 41" and through the plug. Handle 25 is then depressed withdrawing sleeves 45" and 41" from plug 2| whereupon plug 2|" shrinks about and grips the leg wires. Handles I09" and .2 I containing its leg wires, from the apparatus,

.and the apparatus is ready for insertion of a new plug and repetition of the operation.

III)" are compressed to permit removal of plug One point which might be noted for all types of apparatus illustrated is that a space is provided past the plug wherever the needles or the sleeves push through the plug. Thus, as shown than all the way through plug 2| before reaching the end of their upward travel (see Figure 5).

In Figure 10, holes I29 and |3| are shap d to receive sleeves 45' and 4'! beyond the surface of plug M. The same shaped portion receives needles 65' and 67.

In Figure 12, tunnels 49" and 5! receive needles 65" and 61" prior to their impingement upon sleeves 45 and 4?". Holes I29 and 13! are shaped to receive sleeves 45" and 3'!" beyond the surface of plug 2|".

With these constructions, the plug is permitted space to stretch ahead of the expanding elements so that it may be fully broken through before the elements enter tight fitting portions of the apparatus. If the spaces were not provided, the expanding elements might cut rubber from the plug and small pieces of the cut rubber might jam the apparatus.

By means of the methods and apparatus just described, it is possible in a simple and convenient manner to provide a tight fitting water-proof joint between the leg wires and plug.

It will be apparent that the invention is applicable to the insertion of strand material generally through resilient substance, wherever a tight fitting engagement is desired.

Many different resilient materials may be employed in the practice of the present invention. Natural rubber, synthetic rubber as exemplified by neoprene, Buna S, Buna N or plastic material exemplified by plasticized polyvinyl chloride resin are usually found particularly applicable to the piercing procedure of the invention. However, other materials having resilience so that they will shrink and grip the inserted strand material may also be employed with advantage.

Plug materials utilized in accordance with the present invention should ordinarily sufficiently springy and deformable that they will provide good gripping power and ease of expansion. While materials having Shore 2A durometer hardnesses as high as 90 will usually permit practical operation, it is generally preferable to employ materials having hardnesses not higher than about '75. On the other hand, it is not generally desirable that the materials be so soft that they may be readily pushed out of initiator shells or permit easy withdrawal of inserted leg wires. While materials having Shore 2A durometer hardnesses as low as about 30 often may be satisfactorily used, it is generally preferred that durometer hardnesses be at least about 60.

It will also be readily apparent that many modifications of the invention are possible. It is obvious, of that Where, in the above description, the needles and sleeves have been moved while the plug is held stationary it is only the relative movement that is important, and the plug may be moved while the needles, for example, are held stationary.

Furthermore the methods and apparatus of the invention are also applicable to the insertion of strand material in resilient material already provided with holes. Pre-existing holes may be expanded as well as may holes produced by the needles.

What is claimed is:

1. A method of introducing a strand material through a solid resilient substance and securing the same therein, which comprises the steps of inserting a needle and a sleeve coaxially through said substance with at least the point of said needle penetrating said substance prior to penetration of said substance by said sleeve, said sleeve having an internal diameter not substantially greater than the maximum external diameter of the body of said needle, said insertion of said needle and sleeve forming an opening through said substance of a diameter corresponding to the external diameter of said sleeve and expanding said substance; withdrawing said needle from said sleeve where said sleeve is encompassed by said substance; inserting strand material axially into said sleeve where said sleeve is encompassed by said substance; and withdrawing said sleeve from said substance while maintaining said strand material within said substance whereby said substance contracts about and grips said strand material.

2. A method of introducing a strand material through a solid resilient substance and securing the same therein as defined in claim 1, wherein said needle with said sleeve fitting concentrically around the same are simultaneously inserted through said substance from the same surface thereof.

3. A method of introducing a strand material through a solid resilient substance and securing the same therein as defined in claim 1, wherein the needle is first inserted through said substance from one surface thereof, and wherein the sleeve fitting concentrically around said needle is then passed through said substance from the same surface thereof.

4. A method of introducing a strand material through a solid resilient substance and securing the same therein as defined in claim 1, wherein the needle is first inserted through said substance from one surface thereof, and wherein the sleeve is then passed concentrically around said needle and through said substance from the surface of said substance opposite that through which said needle was first inserted.

5. A method of introducing a strand material through a solid resilient substance and securing the same therein as defined in claim 1, wherein said needle is first inserted through said substance from one surface thereof so that the point only of said needle extends beyond the surface of said substance opposite the surface of insertion of said needle, and wherein said sleeve is passed concentrically over said projecting point of said needle and then moved around said needle and through said substance from the surface of said substance opposite that through which said needle was first inserted.

6. A method of introducing a strand material through a solid resilient substance and securing the same therein as defined in claim 1, wherein said needle has a point portion of reduced diameter to provide an annular shoulder at the junction of the body portion of said needle and said point portion, wherein the said needle is first inserted through said substance from one surface thereof so that said point portion extends beyond the surface of said substance opposite the surface of insertion of said needle, and wherein said sleeve is passed over said point portion with the upper end of said sleeve engaging said annular shoulder and is forced through said substance in a direction opposite that of insertion of said needle, such movement of said sleeve simultaneously forcing said needle out of said substance and passing said sleeve through said substance.

7. An apparatus for facilitating the introduction of strand material through a solid resilient substance and securing the same therein which comprises a needle; means operatively connected to said needle for moving the same axially in either direction to cause at least the point of said needle to pass through said substance and to withdraw said needle from said substance; a support for holding said substance in position opposite the point of said needle and in alinement therewith to be pierced by at least the point of said needle as the needle is moved in one direction; a sleeve having an internal diameter not substantially greater than the maximum external diameter of the body portion of said needle; and means operatively connected to said sleeve for moving the same axially in either direction to cause said sleeve to pass through said substance and to expand said substance and to be withdrawn therefrom, the axes of said needle and sleeve being on the same straight line, said needle being moved to cause at least the point thereof to penetrate said substance prior to penetration of said substance by said sleeve.

8. An apparatus for facilitating the introduction of strand material through a solid resilient substance and securing the same therein as defined in claim 7, wherein the needle and sleeve and their respective operating means for moving the same axially in both directions are located at the same side of said support so that said needle and sleeve are passed through said substance in the same direction and from the same surface of said substance as said needle and sleeve are moved in one direction and are withdrawn from the said same surface of said substance as said needle and sleeve are moved in the opposite direction.

9. An apparatus for facilitating the introduction of strand material through a solid resilient substance and securing the same therein as defined in claim 7, wherein the needle and sleeve and their respective operating means for moving the same axially in both directions are located at opposite sides of said support so that the needle is passed through said substance from one surface thereof as said needle is moved in one direction and is withdrawn from said substance at the same surface thereof as said needle is moved in the opposite direction, and the sleeve is passed through said substance from the surface thereof opposite said one surface after the needle has passed through said substance and as said sleeve is moved in one direction and is withdrawn from the said opposite surface of said substance as said sleeve is moved in the opposite direction.

10. An apparatus for facilitating the introduction of strand material through a solid resilient substance and securing the same therein as defined in claim 9, wherein the needle has a point portion of reduced diameter to provide an annular shoulder at the junction of said point portion and the body portion of said needle, which point portion is moved by the operating means for said needle to extend beyond the surface of said substance opposite the surface of insertion of said needle; wherein the sleeve is passed over said point portion with the upper end of the sleeve engaging said annular shoulder; and wherein the operating means for said sleeve is effective to simultaneously force said sleeve through said substance from said opposite side of said substance and to force said needle out of said substance from the surface of insertion of said needle.

DANIEL DUHURST I-IUYETT.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,730,799 Bowes Oct. 8, 1929 1,748,765 Hellerman Feb. 25, 1930 1,830,814 Thiry Nov. 10, 1931 2,031,797 Tarbox Feb. 25, 1936 2,218,904 Burd Oct. 22, 1940 2,349,956 Gliss May 30, 1944 2,393,355 Eppler et al. Jan. 22, 1946 2,412,941 Bannerman et al. Dec. 24, 1946 

